Ray Mendoza

Ray Mendoza, one of the pioneers of Mexican wrestling, was born Jorge Díaz. He quit school at age 15, to both get married and find a job. He first tried his hand at boxing, but turned to professional wrestling in 1953. He originally wrestled under the name El Pelon (the Bald One). He later changed his name to Ray Mendoza, taking his professional name from his wife's maiden name and his trainer Ray Carrasco. He was the NWA World Light Heavyweight champion in 1959, and went on to win the title five more times. During much of his career, he also fought for better wages and working conditions for Mexican wrestlers (or Luchadores, as they are known in Mexico), and appeared in many films with Santos, Blue Devil, and Mas Mascara. In 1975 Mendoza helped organize the Universal Wrestling Association, and continued wrestling alongside his five sons. Mendoza retired from active wrestling in 1983, but continued working as a trainer and as head of the Mexican Wrestling Commission.